March 2022
www.branchburgnews.com
Not Your Grandpa’s Branchburg – High Density Housing Changing Countryside
Construction of the Cornerstone at Branchburg senior apartments is well underway at the corner of Route 202 and Old York Road, across from the Branchburg Police Station. Several other high density housing projects are in the works along Route 202, Route 22 and Route 28. - Photo by JJ Mish The following article was written by Branchburg Township Administrator Greg Bonin on behalf of the Township Committee in response to questions about housing construction occurring along the main roads in the township.
As residents may be aware, there are several residential developments underway in our community at this time. The residential developments are a result of the requirement for the Township to address its required affordable housing obligation. The affordable housing obligation comes from what is known as the Mount Laurel I Supreme Court case which was decided in 1975 which found that every municipality has a constitutional obligation to provide for its fair share of affordable housing. While the Township has complied with this requirement since the obligations and affordable housing rules were issued by a state agency known as the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), the process to receive approval of the Township’s affordable housing plan has changed.
In 2015, the NJ Supreme Court issued a ruling that turned control of NJ affordable housing oversight and approval to the NJ Superior Court, taking the assignment of affordable housing obligations and approval of affordable housing plans away from COAH and transferring it to a court oversight and approval process. A process occurred in the court system which determined how many affordable units each NJ community would be obligated to address in the affordable housing plan. For Branchburg, our affordable housing obligation was determined to be 1,300 units. The court put a cap of 1,000 units on the obligation, so Branchburg has been issued a court mandated affordable housing obligation of 1,000 units that must be implemented within the Township. The Township was then appointed a “Court Master” by the NJ Superior Court. This person would meet regularly with the Township to ensure our compliance with the Court orders and report back to the Superior Court on
our progress. The NJ Superior Court and Court Master required the Township meet with developers and come up with a plan to meet our obligation. To not comply with the required affordable housing obligation and not work with the Superior Court would result in an increased risk of lawsuits from various developers who would sue the township for what is called a “builders remedy.” In a “builders remedy” lawsuit the developer files a complaint with the Superior Court indicating that a municipality has not created a realistic opportunity for affordable housing and seeks to work directly with the court to determine the where, when and the type of affordable housing to be built. Under a “builders remedy” lawsuit, the Township loses zoning control and runs the real risk of having little to no input regarding the overall development of the Township. The Township received immunity from the “builders remedy” lawsuit by working with the Superior Court. In an effort to control future development within the Township, the Township Committee and staff have worked diligently to reduce and mitigate the negative effects associated with incompatible development resulting from addressing its affordable housing obligation. There are several ways municipalities can meet affordable housing obligations under COAH regulations. The Township affordable housing plan was developed to first, utilize existing affordable housing credits and infill development and second, work with developers that provided a higher percentage of affordable housing units than the minimum required and in areas where the development met the COAH criteria as being
suitable, developable, available and approvable. In brief summary, the methods of creating affordable housing units are: Inclusionary Development: This method involves a developer approaching the township wanting to build market rate units, normally at a higher density than permitted. As part of the ‘project’ the developer will build market rate units and affordable units. There is no funding put forth by the municipality. Generally, this type of development is built with a mix of 80% market units and 20% affordable units. In Branchburg we have required developers construct at minimum 25% affordable unit mix thereby lowering the total number of market units that would have been otherwise constructed in the Township. Municipally sponsored units: In this process the township contributes funding to a developer who is willing to construct a development consisting of 100% affordable housing units.
The municipal funding helps offset the cost of building and selling/renting affordable units which sell/rent for far less than market rate units. The benefit of this process is that far fewer units are built, as there are no market units which can account for 80% of the units in a development. Bonus Credits: The COAH affordable housing rules provide bonus credits (2 for 1) for rental units. The Township has sought to maximize the number of credits, which equals 25% of the obligation or 250 credits so as to build less affordable units throughout the Township. The Township has worked hard to develop a plan that meets our land use goals, reduces negative impacts from overdevelopment, while ensuring that we do not end up with “builders remedy” lawsuits. It should be noted that the township had 14 developers that filed motions with NJ Superior Court to be a part of the Township’s affordable
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Editors & Publishers: Bill Haduch, Monita Casey Haduch Advertising Manager: Heather Sanchez Writer/Ad Sales: Karen C. Muller Design & Layout: Jacki Hasko Web Manager: Steve Skladany Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art: Kevin Gora, Cathy Zehr, Megan Clewell The Branchburg News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Branchburg Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE April 2022 March 15 For Ad and News
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The Branchburg News is not liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors, or errors in publication, unless, in our judgment, the error materially affects the content and advertising value of the ad. Compensation will not exceed the cost of the space in which an error occurs. The Branchburg News has the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason, and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We ask our readers to keep us informed of any misleading advertisements. Phone/Fax: 1-800-530-3046 Email: branchburgnews@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351 Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.branchburgnews.com
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Upcoming Events 4-H Tricky Tray March 4 - 6 With over 150 baskets, there is something of interest for everyone. Come out and support the Somerset County 4-H Association. Email trickytray4h@gmail. com for a link to purchase tickets and reserve a dropping timeslot. $20 gets you admission, 1 sheet pink level tickets and a goody bag. Must be 18 or older to enter and participate. The in-person viewing of baskets and ticket dropping slots are Friday, March 4, 4 - 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 6, 9 a.m. - noon. “Facebook Live” Ticket Pulling will be Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. For more info, visit www.4histops.org/events.
By Ileen Bradley
It’s March and we are grateful that the Branchburg community will come together to honor the memory of our daughter, Meghan Rose, while supporting the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation. The organization raises funds to support research to battle pediatric brain cancer, raise awareness and provide scholarships to our youth. Branchburg Central Middle School and Somerville High School will again be conducting creative fundraisers. In the local business community,
Art and Photography Exhibit Through March 18 Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, is hosting a free art and photography exhibit featuring naturalistic artwork by talented local artists. The exhibit includes scenic paintings, photography, and drawings that capture the seasonal beauty of the garden. Afterward, visitors can stroll through the garden to revel in nature. Visit through March 18 on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, March 12, from Coffee with the Mayor March 12 noon to 4 p.m. For more informaFrom 9:30 to 11 a.m. meet infor- tion, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5621.
Trattoria Uno on Route 202 North on Wednesday, March 16, which would be Meghan’s 34th birthday, will be donating a portion of proceeds to the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation on all orders whether it be dinein, take-out or delivery. Be sure to mention our name, and if you dine in, reservations are suggested. On March 31, Moe’s Southwest Grill, 3150 Route 22 in Branchburg, will be donating to the organization. Again, please mention our name. Your commitment will make it
possible so that, someday, children battling this dreadful disease will have a brighter tomorrow. On behalf of Bob and I, we are very grateful for your support. Please light a candle for Meghan on March 16 in memory of her birthday. Thank you for remembering our beautiful daughter. For information on the foundation, call 732-735-3291, email mrbfoundation@gmail.com, visit www.meghanrosebradleyfoundation.org or like us on Facebook.
Think Spring!! Book early and Save Big on Mulch, Clean ups & Tree Planting!
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mally with Mayor James Schworn in the courtroom of the Municipal Building.
Meghan Rose Bradley Remembered in March
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RVCC Honors Info Session March 9 Local high school students interested in learning more about Raritan Valley Community College’s Honors College are invited to attend an Information Session at 6 p.m. in the Event Center at the Branchburg campus. The evening also will include information about the NJ STARS Scholarship program. To register for the Information Session, visit www.raritanval.edu/visit. For additional information about RVCC’s Honors College, email honors@raritanval. edu or visit www.raritanval.edu/ honors.
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2 The Branchburg News • March 2022
This Month’s
Recycling:
March 7 & 21
For info call 732-469-3363 or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle
That ‘70s Reunion
Hello Somerville High School Graduates! That ‘70s Reunion, the third, will be held Saturday, May 28, rain or shine. All alums who attended SHS at any time in the ‘70s are invited to attend, along with spouses and partners. The event will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 350 Woodside Lane, Bridgewater (off Route 28/ Union Avenue.) CDC and NJ State Covid guidelines will be followed. Cost is $40 per person and $50 at the door on the day of the event. Make checks payable to SHS ‘70s Reunion. Mail check to: THAT ‘70s REUNION, 15 Chelsea Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Questions can be directed to: Ilene Doran 732735-8782 or Cheryl Oram 908-9638866.
Not Your Grandpa’s Branchburg – High Density Housing Changing Countryside
continued from front page
housing plan. That is the most of any town in NJ that we have found. We urge all residents to visit our website, www.branchburg.nj.us/documents/index.php, for much more information on this matter. Below is a description of each future development in our community. Active (under construction) residential construction sites: 1. Developer: Conifer (‘Triangle’ site) Location: Old York Road and Route 202 next to Whiton Hills Apartments. Units: 100 affordable rental apartments, non-age restricted. Bonus: 100 rental bonus credits toward obligation. Will consist of the following: One four-story building, with parking on
the lower level and residential apartment on two floors, office and community room. Five three-story buildings with residential apartments. A clubhouse/ maintenance building with a laundry room. 2. Developer: Advance / Fox Hollow (Lennar) Location: Route 22 West across from County Line Road Units: 111 units, non-age restricted. Bonus: 28 rental bonus credits toward obligation. Will consist of the following: 81 market rate, for sale townhouses. 30 affordable rental units (2 units will be counted to a future affordable housing obligation). Two three-story apartment buildings consisting of 18 units in one building and 12 units in the other.
3. Developer: Cornerstone at Branchburg (Branchburg Senior Apartments LLC) Location: Corner of Route 202 and Old York Road across from the Police Station. Units: 150 age-restricted rental units. Will consist of the following: Two three-story buildings with 75 affordable rental apartment units in each. 132 single bedroom units and 18 twobedroom units. 4. Developer: North Branch Walk
(Sycamore Developers) Location: Route 22 East and Meister Avenue, across from the Quick Chek light at Route 28. Units: 365 rental units, non-age restricted. Bonus: 91 rental bonus credits toward obligation. Will consist of the following: 149 townhouses market rate, rental units. Eight three-story buildings consisting of 125 market rate, rental apartment units. 91 apartments will be
affordable rental apartments. Also included will be a two-story maintenance building, clubhouse with an inground pool and playground. Approved by Planning Board, not yet under construction: 5. Developer: Summit Green (Premier Developers) Location: Route 22 East (behind the Royal and 30 Burgers) Units: 523 rental units, non-age restricted.
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March 2022 • The Branchburg News
3
Scout Troop 185 to Start All-Female Program
Submitted by Troop 185
Founded in 1964, Branchburg Boy Scout Troop 185 has set in motion the necessary steps to offer a scouting program for young ladies beginning this year. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America changed its program name to Scouts BSA and announced that it would start the formation of all-female troops, providing young ladies between age 10 (who have completed 5th grade) through age 17 the opportunity to experience all the traditional adventures of the Boy Scout Program while working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. Since February of 2019, more than 3,000 all-female troops have popped up globally, with more than 31,000 young ladies participating in merit badges, activities, service projects, campouts, and adventure trips de-
signed to build character, knowledge, proficiency in the outdoors, and leadership. Scouts BSA Troops are structured as all female or all male, but if in the same community, they are welcome to share the same chartering organization, resources, equipment, and supplies. They often participate in activities together, as well. Such will be the case with Branchburg’s first all-female Scouts BSA Troop. “This will provide a full family experience for those interested,” said Tom Decker, Scoutmaster of Troop 185. “We are very optimistic about revamping our program not only with the startup of a Troop for young ladies but also with a new program focus, activities, and overall leadership in Troop 185.” All that’s needed to start the all-
4 The Branchburg News • March 2022
female troop in Branchburg is five interested young ladies, a Scoutmaster, and three committee members. Decker said they have a chartering organization and all the supplies, resources, knowledge, expertise, and equipment in Troop 185. First members will have the opportunity to shape the program going forward and be part of something new and exciting. For more information about the forthcoming all-female program, contact: bsa4girls@branchburg185. mytroop.us. As always, Troop 185 is open to young men between age 10 (who have completed 5th grade) through age 17. Those interested can contact bsa4boys@branchburg185.mytroop. us or visit www.branchburg185.mytroop.us.
What They Went For Recent property sales reported in Branchburg Township: 18 Buffalo Hollow Road $420K 52 Cedar Grove Road $375K 801 Churchill Circle $599K 802 Churchill Circle $585K 904 Churchill Circle $549,990 906 Churchill Circle $529,500 202 Emerald Drive $520K 1039 Hillcrest Drive $650K 144 Howell Drive $714,900 44 Kingswood Road $329K 1519 Longley Court $317K 1305 Magnolia Lane #A3 $322K
250 North Branch River Road #248 $520K 28 Ottawa Trail $650K 50 Preston Drive $420K 7 Pueblo Trail $630K 207 Readington Road $609K 209 Readington Road $410K 111 Robbins Road $395K 69 Susquehanna Trail $530K 5 Ten Eyck Road S. $1,430,000 1230 US Highway 202 S. $315K 408 West County Drive $685K
•
TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG
• • • •
‘Our Work is Your Play’ *** Recreation
News***
Spring is just around the corner and that means POOL & SUMMER CAMP Registration is sure to follow! ~~~~~~~~~~
Branchburg Silver Saddle Community POOL
Membership registration begins March 1st for Branchburg Residents & March 15th for out of towners. If you register anytime in the month of March, you will receive two (2) FREE Guest Passes. Register online at: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg Call if you forgot your password, DO NOT create a new account, we are happy to assist! 908-526-
Mayor Schworn announces concerned effort to deal with traffic issues in the town. The number of Covid cases in the community have taken a drastic downturn. Township hires resident James Norgalis as new Health Officer Plans are being put in place to repair Ida damage to the historic Little Red Schoolhouse. Spring is right around the corner...March 20th! Don’t forget to sign up for spring recreation programs and the community pool.
Health Department – FREE Radon Kits are available in the Clerk’s
Office and the Fire Safety Office. Radon gas cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Test your home today! For more information contact the Health Department at 908-526-1300 x183.
Municipal Dumpster-Open every Friday between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM and the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Dumpster permits are available in the Clerk’s Office. The fee is $25 for 5 trips with a car, minivan or SUV; or 2 trips with a pick-up truck, van or utility trailer. The permit is valid for two years from issuance. For additional information or an application visit the Township's Public Works Department on our website at www.branchburg.nj.us or call 908-526-1300 ext. 177.
1300 x 187 or 188 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring Programs Registration begins March 21st and programs begin on April 18th. Check the township website for program booklet. ***************
Registration begins on Friday, April 1 - NO FOOLING! Online thru Community Pass. Campers must currently be in Kindergarten – 8 grade to be eligible to register for Camp. st
Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec
HAPPY SPRING March 2022 • The Branchburg News
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Kristen Cardona Named Teacher Who Makes Magic developing her practice. She collaborates with other teachers to share ideas and learn from her colleagues. She is very organized and detail oriented. Her well organized lessons allow her students to take control of their learning so Kristen can step back and take on more of a coaching role. She is often involved in leadership with the student council as they work to raise funds for the school’s designated charity, The Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation. She has created multiple methods for students Kristen Cardona to showcase their understanding of literature, from an in person “Escape Kristen Cardona, an 8th grade Room” to student created book trailLanguage Arts teacher at Branch- er premieres. She has incorporated burg Central Middle School, has technology in meaningful ways with been named a Teacher Who Makes a gamification unit that utilizes onMagic by radio station Magic 98.3. line gaming in an academic manner BCMS Principal Matt Barbosa as well as learning new techniques nominated Mrs. Cardona: “She is for podcasting. She collaborates a creative teacher who is constantly with other staff to create grade-level
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and building-wide events that connect student learning to real-world experiences. Students in Kristen’s class explore, collaborate and demonstrate their learning in a myriad of ways that tie the curriculum into their lives and the real world. Kristen is also the school’s athletic coordinator and organizes tryouts, medical information and competition with other schools. The school staff nominate each other to receive a Falcon Award and the winner gets to wear a superhero cape for the month so students can ask about the teacher’s superpower. Kristen Cardona has won this award, and now she can add “Teacher Who Makes Magic” to her ever growing list of accomplishments!” Kristen is the daughter of Kathleen and Jim Murphy of Branchburg. She came up through Branchburg schools and graduated from Immaculata High School in 2004. A 2008 graduate of the College of St. Elizabeth, she received a masters degree from Centenary University in 2017. She is married to Victor Cardona, also a teacher, and they have two children.
Branchburg Newsmakers
Ashley Apisa
Ashley Apisa of Branchburg has been named to the Dean’s List at West Virginia University for the Fall 2021 semester. Ashley is a rising sophomore majoring in Animal Science/Nursing. She is a 2020 graduate of Somerville High School and the daughter of Vicki Upton of Branchburg. Olivia Anna Marie Scharnikow of Neshanic Station has been named to the Dean’s List at Centenary University for the Fall 2021 semester.
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Branchburg resident Denise Bayles of the Bayles Family Speech Center was honored as a “favorite kids doc” in speech therapy for the 11th year in a row by NJ Family Magazine and selected Reader’s Choice for Best Speech Therapist in Bridgewater Lifestyle magazine in December. In the field since 1995 and in her private practice since 2007, Denise is honored to be thought so highly of by the families she works with and thanks those who voted.
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SOUPerBowl–In February, third graders at Whiton Elementary
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March 2022 • The Branchburg News
7
The Township of Branchburg Republican Municipal Committee (TBRMC) Chair Marty Herrman announced that the TBRMC will hold its annual Township Committee Candidate Screening Meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Whiton Hills Apartment complex, 804 Bermuda Drive, located off Route 202 South or Sean Way off Old York Road in Branchburg. The purpose of this meeting is for interviewing qualified Republican candidates for Branchburg Township Committee and selecting two (2) candidates who will receive the endorsement of the TBRMC and the Somerset
GOP Candidate Screening March 9
County Republican Organization for Branchburg Township Committee for the June 7 Primary Election. These positions will be for a three (3) year term. Incumbent Township Committee members Tom Young and Dave Owens, whose terms expire on December 31, 2022, have announced their intentions to seek re-election this year. Republican candidates for Somerset County Clerk and the Somerset County Board of Commissioners have also been invited to speak. The screening and interviewing portion of this meeting is open to the public, subject to the chairman’s discretion. Ad-Hoc Screening Committee Chair Deborah Kazar is offering
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the opportunity for prospective Republican candidates to be interviewed for consideration for the Branchburg Township Committee. A prospective Republican candidate must be a qualified and registered Republican voter, residing in Branchburg for the last two (2) years, and willing and able to provide a written resume and statement of intent to seek endorsement of the TBRMC. Prospective Republican candidates must submit their letter of intent, along with a resume, which must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, to: Deborah Kazar, TBRMC Screening Chair, P.O. Box 5533, North Branch, NJ 08876 or email to: BranchburgGOP@gmail.com. Kazar said all qualified candidates will be contacted by the TBRMC Ad-Hoc Screening Committee and will have the opportunity to be screened by the
Township of Branchburg Republican Municipal Committee on Wednesday, March 9. For additional information, contact Marty Herrman, Chair, TBRMC at BranchburgGOP@
gmail.com. In case of severe inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled to Thursday, March 10. –Submitted by Roma Plakyda
Branchburg Seniors Club Plans Spring Events
By Audrey Henry Branchburg Recreation The Seniors had their first business meeting of the New Year on Feb. 3 at the Whiton Hills Community Room, with 40 of the 98 members present. The club officers agreed to remain in their positions for the time being as we navigate the new arrangement with the Senior Club and Recreation Department. The club officers for this year are: Ed Ogin, President; Michele Dickson, First Vice President; Rita Jordan, Secretary; Kathy Herdman, Treasurer; Jennie Giancola, Trustee; Phyllis Diakos, Trustee; and Barbara Dugan, Trustee. Meetings: The business meeting on Feb. 3 included sandwiches from Francesco’s and an overview of the upcoming schedule. Feb. 13 was Pizza, Poems & Valentines. March 3 will include lunch and representatives from the Somerset County Department of Human Services, Office on Aging and Disability Services, who will present information on services available to seniors. March 17 is a Saint Patrick’s Day luncheon and a virtual visit to the Emerald Isle. April 7 is a trip to Lancaster, PA, for a Sight & Sound production of “David.” Bus leaves from White Oak Park at 8 a.m.
promptly for the 11 a.m. show, followed by lunch at Plain & Fancy. Club Membership is open to ages 55+, annual dues for Branchburg residents is $15, non-residents $25. Registration is through the Branchburg Recreation Department’s online registration system, Community Pass or by contacting the Rec office. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the Whiton Hills Community Room, 1032 Abby Way Bldg #10, off Route 202 South. The room is located on the lower level. The business meeting is held on the first Thursday, and the third Thursday is the social meeting which includes a light lunch. Meeting time is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fun days are the second and fourth Thursdays to meet up with friends for cards, board games, crafts, pool or puzzles, beginning at 10 a.m. There are no formal meetings on these days. We invite you to attend one of the meetings as a guest and hopefully we can welcome you as a member. For more information call Recreation at 908-526-1300 x 188. Senior Birthdays in March: 3/6 Ricky Bennett 3/7 - Ed Ogin 3/19 - June Nowak & Lee Magee 3/20 Mary Ribaudo 3/26 - Robert Meyers
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Get Ready for Branchburg Recreation Summer Camp
Branchburg Country Fair Committee Needs Volunteers– The Branchburg
Country Fair Committee is looking for volunteers to plan the 25th annual event for Sept. 24. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Branchburg Municipal Building. If interested in volunteering, join us at one of our meetings on Thursday, March 10, April 14, or May 12. For more information, email branchburgcountryfair@gmail.com. – Submitted by Shavaun Gliksman
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By Audrey Henry Branchburg Recreation Branchburg Recreation’s Summer Camp preparations are underway for current kindergarteners through 5th graders at White Oak Park and Whiton Elementary School. Teen Scene campers, in grades 6 through 8, will be located at Stony Brook School. Summer Camp in 2022 will look more like a normal camp year, with no masks needed. Drop-off and pick-up will remain the same as it was through the pandemic, and campers will be assigned to pods of 20, with two counselors. The camp does not have full
access to Branchburg Central Middle School due to work being done there. A variety of activities including new lawn games are planned for Teen Scene days at the Stony Brook home base. Trips will be returning this year for Teen Scene campers. Currently one trip is planned each week. A special, 8th grade-only trip is planned during the last week of camp. Summer Camp dates are Monday, June 27, through Friday, Aug. 5. Camp is Monday-Friday, half-day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No camp on Monday, July 4. Registration begins on Friday, April 1, at 8 a.m., online through Com-
munity Pass: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg. If you forgot your password, call 908-526-1300 ext. 188 for a new one. If you prefer a paper copy, those will be available on the township website under Recreation, or in the Recreation Office. The Camp Booklet, containing all of the camp details, will be posted on the township website under Recreation in mid-March. Please note: Do not Google “Branchburg Recreation.” Instead, search “Township of Branchburg” and go to departments for the current Recreation website. Holly Scanlon is Camp Director.
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This Month In Branchburg History One year ago, March 2021 – Scout troop 185 built more than a dozen bluebird nesting boxes to be placed around White Oak Park in the spring. Five years ago, March 2017 – On March 10, at a dinner at the Imperia in Somerset, Sue Ferranti of Branchburg received a 2017 Outstanding Women in Somerset County award
Keep on Donating Shoes
in the Volunteerism category. For families, friends and leaders, marched 23 years, Sue was director and head across the historic Elm Street Bridge teacher at the Children’s Garden of and into Neshanic Station Village in Learning nursery school in Neshanic celebration of Girl Scouting’s 100th Station Village and volunteered as an anniversary. Called “Bridging into instructor for the National Alliance the Next Century,” the event was oron Mental Illness (NAMI). ganized by Girl Scout Leader Peggy Dry and her Troops 60051 and 60305 10 years ago, March 2012 – On Sun- of Service Unit SU 73 of Girl Scouts day, March 18, about 200 girl scouts, Heart of New Jersey.
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25 years ago, March 1997 – An increase in Central Jersey flooding was being blamed on an increase in much more non-absorbent surfaces being created as part of construction. For example, the US Geological Survey reported 2.1% of Branchburg land was non-absorbent in 1930, while 8.7 % was non-absorbent in 1990 – a 314% increase in 60 years. 50 years ago, March 1972 – On March 31, an 87-car, mile-long Central NJ Railroad freight rumbled through North Branch as a final shipment of coal went from Pennsylvania to Elizabethport, NJ. For 136 years, the CNJ had been transporting freight and passengers.
Pictured in a truck with bags of donated shoes are members of the Winter Guard: Diego Gonzalez, Kaylie Fabriczi, Kiarra Dalida, Selina Verbanas, Nate Cohen, Katie Curtis, Hannah Varley, Colin Sheeley, Lizzy Malanga, Karis Kechula, Heather Young, Kylie Ronning, Skye Naranjo. Not pictured: Rebecca Wolin and Gianna Perrine.
Somerville High School Winter Guard members thank the community for generous shoe donations that helped raise funds to get the team to Dayton, OH, April 7-9, to compete in the WGI World Championships. In midFebruary, they hit their goal of 100 bags of shoes of 25 pairs per bag - 2,500 pairs of shoes. The guard partnered with the organization FUNDS2ORGS, and donations will be used to develop and sustain micro-enterprises in developing nations.
The program has offered the guard a bonus period where they can continue to collect shoes for the next few weeks to potentially earn double. Continue to collect and ask others for donations of new or gently used shoes (no rips, holes, excessive dirt.) Local dropoff points are: Branchburg Municipal Building, Branchburg Central Middle School, DJs Hair Studio, Somerville High School. –Submitted by Sharon Kechula
Denise Favor Bayles, MA, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist ASHA Certified, NJ Licensed NJ Lic. #41YS00282300
Articulation, Language, Oral Motor, Feeding, Swallowing Evaluations & Therapy Denise has been honored by New Jersey Family readers as a Favorite Kids’ DocTM since 2010.
The end of 2021 was quite exciting for the Bayles Family Speech Center as Denise Bayles was honored as a "favorite kids doc" in speech therapy for the 11th year in a row. She then found out that she was chosen as the Reader's Choice for Best Speech Therapist in Bridgewater Lifestyle magazine. In the field since 1995 and in her private practice since 2007, Denise is honored to be thought so highly of by the families she works with. She would like to extend a "thank you" to all who voted for her for both awards and is looking forward to a successful 2022. 191 Church Road • Bridgewater, NJ 08807 • 908-578-0825 bfsc05@verizon.net • www.baylesfamilyspeechcenter.com
10 The Branchburg News • March 2022
Girl Scout Cookie Time
The Girl Scout Cookies fundraiser is going on now with popup cookie booths all over town for the month of March. Booths will be located at many favorite Branchburg breakfast and pizzeria locations on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. The scouts
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will hold the annual drive-through cookie booth every Saturday and Sunday March 12- 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just drive right into the North Branch Girl Scout Council parking lot at the corner of Route 28 and Lamington Road, and scouts will deliver the cookies to your car window. No pre-order necessary. Usual favorites are $5 per box and specialty flavors are $6. For more information about where to buy/donate cookies, email the Branchburg Service Unit at branchburgsu73gs@gmail. com. –Submitted by Mary Anne Bolink
Branchburg Rescue Squad Easter Plant Sale The Branchburg Rescue Squad announces an Easter Plant Sale and visit from the Easter Bunny on Friday, April 15, from noon until 8 p.m. and on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until supplies last. Flowers will be available in multiple varieties and colors. Pot sizes range from 4 1/2 inches to 12 inches. They include tulips, daffodils and mini tetea-tetes, hyacinths, Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, pansy flats, African violets, and bulb gardens.
Road Construction Considered Cows–Construction on
Route 9 began in 1940 for what is now Route 22. At that time, a tunnel was built under the two lanes to allow cows to graze on the property that the highway bisected. Cows and dairy farms are gone now, but the tunnel with the date 1940 above it is still there as a reminder of Branchburg’s bucolic past. –Submitted by Branchburg Historic Commission Chairman Ray Sanderson
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Guidepost Montessori Opens In Branchburg
Head of School Heather Fulminante
Guidepost Montessori at Branchburg is now open at 1005 Route 202 North, offering Montessori education from infancy through kindergarten. Longtime Stony Brook Elementary School teacher Heather Fulminante is Head of School. Guidepost Branchburg is part of an international network of Montessori schools dedicated to helping children grow through joyful learning. If you are searching for a day care, preschool, or kindergarten in Branchburg and want a change from traditional and private school, you may want to consider Guidepost Montessori. The day care
years correspond to the “Nido” program, the preschool years correspond to the “Toddler” program, and the kindergarten years correspond to the “Children’s House” program. A nurturing and educational environment is offered for infants (12 weeks to 16 months), toddlers (18 to 30 months), and young children (2½ to 6 years old). Montessori education provides children with the tools to navigate lifelong learning. Hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admissions: 949-534-4817, School: 908-219-9745, Email: branchburg@guidepostmontessori.com.
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Team Openings in Branchburg Recreation Softball Leagues Branchburg Recreation’s Adult Slow Pitch Softball has team openings in the following leagues: Monday Women’s League, Monday Men’s Masters League, Thursday Men’s Senior League and Friday Men’s League. The leagues are USA Softball sanctioned. Most games start at 6:30 p.m. at White Oak Park. The season starts in mid-April with the playoffs beginning in early August. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Branchburg Recreation at 908526-1300 X-188.
Theatre at RVCC to Present Shows in March and April The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will present The Flying Karamazov Brothers: 4Play, Friday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $30. Expect the unexpected with The Flying Karamazov Brothers. The four, self-proclaimed eccentric “lunatics” spice things up with a zany showcase filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, wild theatrics, and astonishing juggling feats. The group’s most popular show, 4Play, has entertained audiences throughout the world. The Theatre will present Soul of America: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Saturday, April 9, at
2 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $30. The performers of Soul of America pay tribute to Aretha Franklin like no other artists. Join Soul of America and sing along to your favorite hits by the Queen of Soul. Both events will be held at limited capacity with distanced reserved seating and masking. Food and beverage concessions will not be available. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts. org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg.
Troop 90 Braves Cold Weather Camping
Free Radon Testing Kits
Free Radon Testing Kits are available in the Clerk’s Office and the Fire Safety Office at the Branchburg Township Municipal Building. Radon gas cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. For more information contact the Health Department at 908-526-1300 x183.
Pictured are (back row) Eric Rasch, Bill Lawson, Chris Rasch, Joseph Keck, Rob Ott, Josh (the interpreter), (front row) Vic Haddad, Aidan Haddad, Will Lawson, Hayden Brown, Liam Ott, and Don Keck.
From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, five adults and six scouts from Troop 90 braved the cold at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Northern Minnesota, accompanied by their interpreter, to guide and educate them in cold weather camping. They camped in cold cabins for five nights, and on a frozen lake in various self-made snow windbreaks and a quinzee for one night. On their night on the ice, the temperature reached a low of -5F (earning them the “Zero Hero” patch) and the record low for the trip was -27F. They unanimously decided not to risk frostbite with their planned second night on the ice, and instead enjoyed a good night’s sleep in their cabins. One scout from the
crew, Aidan, was brave enough to spend a second night outside the cabin to earn another patch. They transported their gear to and from camp via sleds powered by their legs and their will for adventure (and anticipation of a warm drink). During the trip, the crew took advantage of the much colder climate by sledding, cross country skiing, dog sledding, visiting the dog yard, and a friendly game of broomball on a frozen lake against another troop in which Troop 90 won. Everyone enjoyed the trip, as well as the experiences and knowledge gained along the way, although remaining weary to this day of the Minnesotian-cold that nipped at their balaclava-covered noses.
To Advertise in The Branchburg News Call 1-800-530-3046 or email branchburgnews@gmail. com
Rotary Scholarships Available The Rotary Club of Branchburg announces its High School Scholarship Program for the current academic year. Any Branchburg resident who is a senior at Somerville High School, Immaculata, or Somerset County Vocational Technical School may apply for a $1,000 scholarship based on good grades and service to the school and the community. Applications are available at the Principal’s or Guidance Office at each school. The club is also offering a Service Award to two sophomores at each school. This award is given each year to students who exem-
plify “Service Above Self,” the Rotary motto. Applications may be obtained at the Guidance Offices. The award is accompanied by a $150 stipend. The Rotary Club of Branchburg meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Stoney Brook Grille in Branchburg. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend a meeting to learn more about Rotary. For additional information visit http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3078 or “like” the Rotary Club of Branchburg Facebook page. –Submitted by Kathleen S. Feigley
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Not Your Grandpa’s Branchburg – High Density Housing Changing Countryside
continued from page 3
Bonus: 22 rental bonus credits toward obligation. Will consist of the following: 103 townhouses market rate, rental units. 16 three-story buildings consisting of 315 market rate rental apartment
units. 92 apartments will be affordable ment, Location: Route 28 eastrental apartments. 39 three-bedroom bound, across from Lamington apartments for special needs residents. Road. Included in Approved Housing Ele- Units: 9 affordable housing ment, no plans submitted to date: rental apartments.
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Queen of Rivers - Raritan River Deserves Birthstone
South Branch Rivers. Through a network of well-placed friends, we have approached the state with this made landscape. request to determine feasibility. A The Raritan’s headwaters arise labyrinth of permits and permisfrom two major sources in the sions remains to be navigated if givnorth, the South Branch from Budd en conditional approval. At the very Lake and the North Branch from a least, the ship has left the dock and swamp in Chester. The confluence we will soon learn if it is seaworthy. of these two rivers join (in BranchA stone, not yet chosen, has been burg) to form the Raritan River. promised and placement will be inFacing upstream at the conflu- cluded. The river deserves to have ence, the river on the left enters a name and birthstone. Erroneously, from the south and is so named the the North Branch has official sigSouth Branch, despite its origin in nage that declares it to be the Rarithe north. The river on the right tan River, if nothing else it would be comes in from the north and is aptly a worthy accomplishment to estabnamed the North Branch. lish the correct identity. If ever a natural wonder needed “Like a pine tree winding the Upper right is the Raritan River, lower right is the South Branch and the Old York to be celebrated it would be the lonely road, I’ve got a name, I’ve Road Bridge over the North Branch. Facing upstream at the confluence, the river Raritan River. Toward that end, I got a name…” go the lyrics of a on the left enters from the south and is so named the South Branch, despite its always imagined a rough stone song. What is in a name is respect. origin in the north. The river on the right comes in from the north and is aptly marker of an age befitting the river It is our nature to treat anonymity named the North Branch. The birthstone would be placed at the apex of the North queen’s origin be placed at the conand South Branch on the Branchburg side. (JJ Mish took the photo on a “No Water fluence, “the meeting place of waNo Life” flight, courtesty of Light Hawk, to photograph the Raritan Watershed.) ters,” “Tuck-ramma-hacking.” Inscrubbed the red shale soil from its formal and primitive to match the banks to turn the raging river into uninhibited behavior of this ancient a semi solid crimson torrent. The watercourse, a perfect partner to contrast in color is dramatic where mark the celebrated river’s place of gravel lined upland streams tumble birth: a monument that will be subinto the main river current. merged during spring floods and From sweetwater freshet to the bear the scars of ice flows. brackish tide water of its bay, the I imagine a bronze plaque bearDuring one, six thousand year Raritan’s unimpeded flow ex- ing the name of the river and its moment, in the eons of glacial ex- pressed its seasonal moods in unin- birthdate set among petroglyphs pansion and retreat, the Queen of hibited water-colored brush strokes of animal tracks and wild flowers Rivers was born. So described by across the landscape as if it were a carved into the stone by local artan early nineteenth century writer, living canvas. ists to represent the community the inspired by the bucolic Raritan So, the Raritan River proper, as river serves. River. The beauty of the river’s it is defined today, deserves the Bringing a dream to reality often pastoral floodplain dotted with recognition of a natural wonder, a turns to fantasy. At least now an atcolorful native flowers and grasses, reference point in geological his- tempt is now being made to explore stood in contrast to the intermittent tory, worthy of attention in a state the possibility of placing such a high, red shale cliffs. Spring floods marked by an ever changing man stone at the apex of the North and
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differently than familiarity. Walk through a field, not knowing one plant from another, go from point A to point B and we naturally take a straight-line course. Eyes planted on the far side, anything in the way gets stepped upon. Guarantee that if a plant is identified to the trekker, whether it be fleabane or little bluestem, the path will be adjusted to avoid stepping on the now identified plant. So it is with names that emerge from anonymity, they project some kindred link that brings conscious thought to bear. A good reason to identify the Queen of Rivers and engender some new found respect for a natural wonder that will be here after we and our kin are long gone. Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.
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452 Hwy. 28 West, Bridgewater
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Open: Tuesday - Saturday Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Call 908-722-6393 Tues. & Wed. 9-6, Thurs. 9-7,
Our Get On st! (1.5 The miles west ofNews the •Somerville 16 Branchburg March 2022 Circle) il Li
Telephone Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Orders
3150 Route 22, Branchburg 908-997-0506 (pet baths here)
Open 7 days, free delivery, shop online or call us.
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